Three North Texans were among the semifinalists for the 32nd annual Butkus Award announced Monday.
University of Texas sophomore Malik Jefferson is one of 12 college players listed as semifinalists for the award honoring the nation’s best linebackers by the Butkus Foundation.
Jefferson won the award as a high school senior at Mesquite Poteet High School in 2014.
Notre Dame outside linebacker Jaylon Smith won the 2016 collegiate Butkus Award before being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
Kennedale High School outside linebacker Baron Browning and Plano East High School inside linebacker were on the list of 15 high school semifinalists.
A panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and journalists vote during the selection process. Finalists will be announced Nov. 21 and winners will be announced by Dec. 6.
Online: The Butkus Award
